Sled



y 30, 1940- A. s. CARLSON 2,209,508

SLED

Filed Feb. 18, 1939 INVENTOR 4X62 5. 404.90%

BY 8 iami ATTORNEYS Patented July 30, 1940 SLED Axel S. Carlson, New York, N. Y., assignor of one-half to Harris M. Humason, New Canaan,

Conn.

Application February 18, 1939,.Serial No. 257,065

11 Claims.

This invention relates to sleds.

In Scandinavian countries a type of sled is in common use, known by a name which may be translated as kicker. This sled comprises a 51 pair of long runners. Near the forward end of each runner is an upright, the two uprights being connected by one or more braces, including a top brace having handles. In front of the uprights is usually found a seat or platform for a 1 passenger or freight. These sleds are commonly used by children in play and commercially for deliveringpackages, etc. The user grasps the handles and with one foot on a runner, pushes with the other foot. When there is suflicient momentum, he may put both feet on the runners and let the sled slide until momentum is gone. So positioned, the user can steer the sled by pressure on one handle or the other.

= It is believed that one reason why this type of sled has not gone into any substantial use in this country isthat because of its construction and form it is bulky and cumbersome and it is next to impossible to transport it in automobiles or public carriers. It is also, for the same reasons, inconvenient to pack for shipment.

It has been proposed to construct such sleds on the knock-downor collapsible principle but such attempts have, for one reason or another, met with no practical success.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sled of the type referred to such that the sled can be collapsed substantially flat in a simple and effective manner and such that when set up, the assembly is firmand strong.

, With these general objects and others in View,

' the invention consists in the combinations, features and details of construction and arrangements of parts which will first be described in connection with the accompanying drawing and I then more particularlypointed out.

In the drawing- Figure 1 is a view in side elevation of a sled constructed in accordance with the invention, showing the parts set up ready for use;

- Figure 2 is a top plan view of the same;

Figure 3 is a view like Figure 1, but with parts in section, showing the sled partially collapsed; Figure 4 is a View like Figure 2 showing the sled fully collapsed; 1 u

5 Figure 5 is a sectional view (enlarged) taken I on the line 5--5 of. Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the front end of sled, showing the locking means for the runners; ,Figure '7 is a sectional view taken on the line 55 'lof Figure l; and

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken on 8-8 of Figure 4. I 7

Referring to the drawing, the sled illustrated as an example comprises a pair of runners H comprising flat bars, edge side up, and terminating in 5 forward up-turned portions l2.

There is provided a forward framework comprising side bars and a brace. As here shown as an example, in vertical alinement with each runner H is a side bar l4 extending from the front w end of the sled rearwardly. These side bars are roughly one-third the over-all length of the sled. To reduce weight and at the same time provide a construction suificiently strong and rigid, the side bars I 4 are made of metal tubing. Inserted in the forward end of each tube with a driving fit and secured by rivets I5, is a rod It. A similar rod 11, similarly secured, is inserted in the rear end of each tube M. It will be apparent that eachtube and its two rods form a unitary structure, constituting the side bar.

Each rod ll. forming the rear of the side bar extends through a hole formed in a channeled brace l8 of the form shown in Figures 1, 3 and 4. Each brace, its channel facing rearwardly, is 25 riveted to the corresponding runner I I. The rear end of each tube l4 abuts the front edge of the corresponding brace l8 and the rod l1 extends a slight distance rearwardly of the brace, as appears, for example, in Figure 1.

At the front end of the sled, each rod l6 extends beyond the upturned end of the corresponding runner, passing through a suitable hole in a cross bar 19.

There is provided means whereby the runners are pivotally mounted so that they may be folded or collapsed flat. To this end, as here shown as an example, riveted to the end of the upturned portion l2 of each runner is a collar 2| which loosely embraces part of the corresponding rod l6 and swivelsthereon. This collar, as appearsmore clearly in Figures 1 and 3, is located between the forward end of tube It and the cross bar IS.

The invention in its entirety includes an upright framework so associated with the rest of the sled that it can be folded or collapsed to a flat position. To this end, as here shown as an example, the upright framework comprises a pair of side uprights 22 connected by an intermediate cross brace 23 and top cross brace 24. In line with the top cross brace are two handles 25. The lower end of each side upright 22 is fitted into a connector 26, upright and connector being riveted together to form a unitary structure. At the the line Y 1 lower end, each connector has a bifurcated lug 21 extending at an angle (Figure 1). This lug is pivotally pinned, as at 28, to the flattened rear end of the corresponding rod H.

In position for use, the upright framework extends upwardly on a rearward slant as appears more clearly in Figure 1. In this position, each connector piece 26, forming part of the framework, seats in the channel of the upper portion of the corresponding brace l8 (Figure 1) which limits its forward movement and braces it against the push of the user. When the sled is to be collapsed, the framework is swung rearwardly and downwardly on its pivots 28 to a position roughly in line with the side bars |4 (Figure 3).

There is provided means for releasably locking the upright framework in upright position. Although capable of various constructions, in the embodiment here illustrated as an example, loosely embracing each connector piece 26 is a yokelike clamp element 3| to which is pivoted a latch comprising a cam element 32 and a cam lever 33. Cut in the front edge of each brace l8, near the top thereof, and in the forward edge of connector 26 are respective notches 34, 35 for receiving part of yoke 3|. On the corresponding connector piece 26, in a plane just below that of notch 34, is an abutment pin 36.

After the sled has been collapsed and is to be set up for use, the upright framework is swung upwardly into the embrace of braces |8. During this movement, yokes 3| are pushed up far enough to clear the braces. Then each yoke is pushed down over the overlapped brace l8 and connector 26 until it enters notches 34, 35. Thereupon cam levers 33 are pushed downwardly. Abutment pins 36 taking the downward pressure of yokes 3|, the cam action tightens the parts and the cam snaps into the position of Figure 1. This cam and lever latching device may be termed a self-locking cam since in the position of Figure 1 it remains locked until released by reverse movement of the lever. Since this requires some force, the upright framework is held in its position without danger of being shaken loose, etc. To free the framework for collapsing, the locking operations are reversed.

The invention in its entirety includes means for releasably locking the runners in both running and collapsed position. Although capable of various constructions, in the exemplification here illustrated as an example, pivoted to the flattened front end of each rod I6 is a latching element comprising a cam element 40 and a cam lever 4|, similar in construction to the latching element 32, 33. On the front cross bar l9 are rectangular locking lugs 42. Formed in the respective collars 2| of the runners are notches 43 located to aline with lugs 42 when the runners are in running position. Cross bar |9 being movable on rods |6, operation of cam levers 4| cams the cross bar rearwardly of the sled and causes lugs 42 to enter notches 43, thus locking the runners against pivotal movement (Figure 2). To unlock the runners for collapsing, the cam levers 4| are reversely operated. This releases cross bar l3 which may be manually shifted forwardly to cause lugs 42 to be withdrawn from notches 43.

So released, and assuming the upright framework to have been collapsed, the runners are free to be collapsed. To this end, each runner is swung inwardly until the two runners lie in a common plane, this plane being that which passes through the centers of the side bars I4 (Figures 4 and 8). Collars 2| have additional notches 44 like notches 43 but positioned to aline with lugs 42 when the runners are thus folded inwardly. The runners are locked in collapsed position in the same way that they are locked in running position except that lugs 42 enter notches 44 instead of notches 43. Such locking prevents the collapsed runners from swinging out while the collapsed sled is being transported. When the sled is to be set up for use, the runners are released by reverse operation of the cam levers 4| and manual movement of cross bar l9. Then the runners are swung outwardly on their pivots to running position and again looked as described.

The invention in its entirety includes a seat adapted to be folded out of the way when not wanted or when the sled is to be collapsed. Although capable of various constructions, in the embodiment here shown as an example, the seat comprises two side supports 41 pivotally mounted on the upright framework. Secured to these side supports are cross slats 48. Integral with or secured to each side bar 41 is a tail piece 49 which extends rearwardly and upwardly beyond the pivot of the seat and terminates in an outwardly extending stop lug 50. Each side bar 41 also has an extension 5| located forward of the upright framework and terminating in an outwardly extending stop lug 52. When the seat is in position for use, stop lugs 50 engage the rear edges and stop lugs 52 engage the front edges of the upright framework, thus controlling the position of the seat and providing a firm supporting means.

When the sled is to be collapsed the seat is simply swung upwardly on its pivots into a position substantially within the side uprights 22. The seat may be similarly folded out of the way when, for example, it is desired to carry freight which may be supported on side bars M.

The invention in its entirety includes foot rests associated with the runners. As here shown as an example, on each runner is a foot rest 54 comprising a piece of heavy wire stock bent into a number of reverse bends (Figure 2). At each end is a clip portion 55- which takes over the runner with a driving fit (Figure 1) The operation of the sled and its collapsing and setting up will be clear from the above without further description.

When the sledis collapsed, the runners are within the plane of the front side bars l4; the seat is substantially within the plane of the side uprights 22; and the upright framework as a whole is substantially in line with front side bars l4. It will be apparent, therefore, that the thickness of the collapsed sled is a matter of a few inches only. Thus, the sled may bev readily packed for shipment and readily transported by hand, in automobiles or common carriers.

An important feature of the construction described is the ease and convenience with which the sled may be collapsed and set up. There are no nuts and bolts to be removed and replaced and no loose parts that are apt to become lost during such operations.

Another important feature is that in manufacturing assembly there are but few parts that require right or left hand assembling. The runners H, the front side bars and their various parts, the braces [8, locking elements 3|, 32, 33, and the foot guards 55 can be assembled on either side of the sled indifferently. Connectors 26 have auxiliary abutment pins 360. corresponding to pins 36 so that a given connector can be assembled at either side of the upright framework, The swivel collars '2l of the runners have auxiliary notches 43a corresponding to notches 43 so that a given collar can be assembled on either.

runner.

While the various parts may be made of various materials, a satisfactory sled results if the uprights 22, cross braces 23, 24, handles 25 and slats 48 are made of wood, the other parts of metal..

The construction described may be used for a toy sled as well as for a full sized sled.

What is claimed is:

1. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of run: ners having upturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the respective runners, an upright framework comprising up wardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward framework, said brace being capacitated to take the forward thrust of the upright framework when the latter is in upright operating position and a pivotal connection between each of said runners and said forward framework.

2. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned forward ends, a for-' ward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the respective runners, an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward framework, said braces having upper portions for engaging the front edges of said uprights, thereby to limit the forward pivotal movement of said upright framework, and a pivotal connection between each of said runners and said forward framework.

3. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the respective runners, an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward framework, said brace being capacitated to take the forward thrust of the upright framework when the latter is in upright operating position andmeans for releasably locking said upright framework in its upright position.

4. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the respective runners, an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward framework, said brace being capacitated to take the forward thrust of the upright framework when the latter is in upright operating position, means for releasably locking said upright framework in its upright position and a pivotal connection between each of said runners and said forward framework.

5. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to; each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the respective-.runners-an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, ,a pivotal connectionbetween said upright framework and said forward framework, means for releasably locking said upright framework in its upright position, said brace being capacitated to'take the forward thrust ,of

slanting uprights, a pivotal connection betweenv said upright framework and said forward framework, means for releasably locking said upright framework in its upright position, said bracebe ing capacitated to take the forward thrust of the upright framework when the latteris in up right operating position, a pivotal connection between each of, said runners, whereby the respective runners may be collapsed inwardly to lie in a common plane, and means for releasably locking said runners in either running or. collapsed position. 1

'7. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners'havingupturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly'from said braces above the respective runners, an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward framework, said braces having upper portions for engaging the fro-nt edges of said uprights, thereby to limit the forward pivotal movement of said upright framework, and means for releasably locking said upright framework in upright position, said means comprising a yoke for embracing each of said uprights and the upper portion of the corresponding brace andcam means for latching said yoke tight.

8. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the respective runners, an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward framework, and a collar rigidly secured to the upturned end of each runner and swiveling on the corresponding side bar of said forward framework, whereby said runners may be collapsed inwardly into the plane of said side bars.

9. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of run of each runner and swiveling on the correspond-' ing side bar of said forward framework, whereby said runners may be collapsed inwardly into the plane of said side bars, a cross bar having openings through which said side bars pass, locking lugs on said cross bar, notches in said collars for receiving said lugs when the runners are in running position, and releasable means for holding said cross bar in position with said lugs engaging said notches.

10. In a sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned forward ends, a forward framework comprising a brace rigidly secured to each runner and a pair of side bars extending forwardly from said braces above the re spective runners, an upright framework comprising upwardly extending and rearwardly slanting uprights, a pivotal connection between said upright framework and said forward frameaaoeyaos workfsaid'brac'e being capacitated to take the forward thrust of the upright framework when the latter is in upright operating position, a pivotal connection between each of said runners and said forward framework, and a seat pivotally supported on sa'id'upright framework.

11, Ina sled, and in combination, a pair of runners having upturned ends, a forward frame- 

